Multi-contour bladder system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base and a seat back. A cover stock is disposed over the seat back and the seat base. An inflatable bladder is disposed in at least one of the seat base and the seat back and is configured to be in a first position, wherein the bladder is deflated, and a second position, wherein the bladder is inflated. The bladder includes at least one orifice extending completely through the inflatable bladder. A fan is operably coupled to the at least one orifice and is configured to move air through the at least one orifice and the cover stock, thereby providing air flow to a vehicle passenger.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly,and more particularly to a vehicle seating assembly having a bladdersystem for providing air flow to a vehicle passenger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles that include improved air flow technology increase comfort andvalue to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a seat base and a seat back. A cover stock is disposedover the seat back and the seat base. An inflatable bladder is disposedin at least one of the seat base and the seat back and is configured tobe in a first position, wherein the bladder is deflated, and a secondposition, wherein the bladder is inflated. The bladder includes at leastone orifice extending completely through the inflatable bladder. A fanis operably coupled to the at least one orifice and is configured tomove air through the at least one orifice and the cover stock, therebyproviding air flow to a vehicle passenger.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a seat base and a seat back. An inflatable bladder isdisposed in at least one of the seat base and the seat back and isoperable between an inflated position or to fold in accordion-like styleto a deflated position. The inflatable bladder includes inner wallsdefining a plurality of orifices. A fan is configured to move airthrough the plurality of orifices.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicleseating assembly includes an inflatable bladder assembly having aplurality of peripheral baffles. An airtight cavity is disposed in atleast one of a seat base and a seat back and is operable between adeflated position and an inflated position. The inflatable bladderassembly includes inner walls defining a plurality of orifices. A fan isconfigured to move air through the plurality of orifices withoutinfluencing a pressure in the cavity.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle having a vehicle seataccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the vehicle seat having a bladderaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a bladder according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a bladder for usein a bolster;

FIG. 6A is a partial side perspective view of one embodiment of thebladder through which air is passing;

FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of a bladder assembly including threeair bladders;

FIG. 7A is a partial side perspective view of a bladder attachmentmechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a partial side perspective view of the attachment mechanismof FIG. 7A during manufacturing;

FIG. 7C is a partial side perspective view of the attachment mechanismof FIG. 7A securing a bladder assembly including stacked bladders;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of a bladder in a deflated positionaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 8A in aninflated position according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the vehicle seathaving a bladder according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a bladder according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of the bladder of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a partial side plan view of the bladder of FIG. 10 with airpassing therethrough;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of a bladder assembly including threestacked bladders according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16A is a top perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 10 in adeflated position; and

FIG. 16B is a top perspective view of the bladder of FIG. 10 in aninflated position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-16, reference numeral20 generally designates a vehicle seating assembly which includes a seatbase 22 and a seat back 24. A cover stock 26 is disposed over the seatback 24 and the seat base 22. An inflatable bladder 28 is disposed in atleast one of the seat base 22 and the seat back 24 and is configured tobe in a first position 30, wherein the bladder 28 is deflated, and asecond position 32, wherein the bladder 28 is inflated. The bladder 28includes at least one orifice 34 extending completely through theinflatable bladder 28. A fan 36 is operably coupled to the at least oneorifice 34 and is configured to move air through the at least oneorifice 34 and the cover stock 26, thereby providing air flow to avehicle passenger.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a vehicle 40 includes the vehicle seatingassembly 20 and also includes other features such as multiple wheels 42,a bumper 44, a front end 46, and a rear end 48. The vehicle 40 may be ofany type including a compact vehicle, mid-size vehicle, sport utilityvehicle, a mini or full size van, or any type of truck. As illustratedin the embodiment shown FIG. 2, the vehicle seating assembly 20 includesthe seat base 22 and the seat back 24. Each of the seat base 22 and theseat back 24 may include bolsters 50 disposed on each side of the seatbase 22 or the seat back 24. The vehicle seating assembly 20 alsoincludes a headrest 52. The cover stock 26 is disposed completely overthe seat back 24 and the seat base 22. The cover stock 26 is configuredto provide uniform look and feel to the vehicle seating assembly 20. Thecover stock 26 also forms a passenger engagement surface 58 on a topsurface of both the seat back 24 and the seat base 22 of the vehicleseating assembly 20. Both the seat back 24 and the seat base 22 includea cushioned portion 59 having an A-surface 56 disposed adjacent to thepassenger engagement surface 58 and a B-surface 60 disposed on theopposite side of the passenger engagement surface 58. The vehicleseating assembly 20 further includes the inflatable bladder 28 disposedin at least one of the seat base 22, the seat back 24, or any of thebolsters 50. Moreover, multiple inflatable bladders 28 may be disposedin one or each of the seat base 22, the seat back 24 or any of thebolsters 50.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inflatablebladder 28 is disposed on the A-surface 56 of either the seat back 24,seat base 22, or any of the bolsters 50. The inflatable bladder 28includes a top surface 70, a bottom surface 72, and a perimeter sidewall 74 which connects the top surface 70 and the bottom surface 72. Thetop surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 are generally flat, rectangularshaped surfaces. The perimeter side wall 74 extends completely aroundthe top 70 and bottom surfaces 72. The perimeter side wall 74 includes aplurality of peripheral baffles 76 which form an expandable accordionstructure. It is also contemplated that the perimeter side wall 74 mayinclude a single peripheral baffle 76. The peripheral baffles 76 areconfigured to be expanded when the inflatable bladder 28 is in thesecond position 32 and retract when the inflatable bladder 28 is in thefirst position 30. In another embodiment, the perimeter side wall 74 ofthe inflatable bladder 28 may be tapered such that a periphery 78 of thetop surface 70 of the inflatable bladder 28 and a periphery 80 of thebottom surface 72 of the inflatable bladder 28 are unequal. Theinflatable bladder 28 is generally comprised of a strong plastic polymermaterial however it is also contemplated that the inflatable bladder 28may be comprised of steel, rubber, or any other material as used by oneof ordinary skill in the art.

Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inflatablebladder 28 also includes inner side walls 82 which define the orifices34. The peripheral baffles 76 of the perimeter side wall 74 along withthe inner side walls 82 and the top surface 70 and bottom surface 72define an air tight cavity 84. Moreover, the multiple orifices 34 extendcompletely through the top surface 70 and through the bottom surface 72.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the orifices 34 are generallytriangular in shape and are arranged in a square-like arrangement.However, it is also contemplated that the orifices 34 may be circular,rectangular, diamond shaped, irregularly shaped, or any other shape asknown by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the inflatable bladder 28 includes a repeating pattern of fourtriangular shaped orifices 34 which form an X shape on the top surface70 of the inflatable bladder 28. As shown in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the X shaped pattern is repeated on the bottom surface 72 of theinflatable bladder 28 showing the orifices 34 disposed completelythrough the inflatable bladder 28.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the embodiment shown inFIG. 5 includes many of the same features as described above withrespect to the inflatable bladder 28 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, includingthe top surface 70, the bottom surface 72, and multiple orifices 34disposed therethrough. Moreover, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 alsoincludes the perimeter side wall 74 including the plurality ofperipheral baffles 76. However, the top surface 70 and the bottomsurface 72 of the inflatable bladder 28 may include a curved edge 90.The curved edge 90 is specifically contoured to be disposed in curvedportions of the seat base 22 or the seat back 24 such as the bolsters50. It is also contemplated that the top surface 70 and bottom surface72 may include more than one curved edge 90.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, as described above,the fan 36 is configured to move air through the plurality of orifices34. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the fan 36 is configured to pushor pull air through the orifices 34 of the inflatable bladder 28. Theconfiguration of the orifices 34 allows a more uniform pressure insideof the inflatable bladder 28 in order to provide uniform pressure acrossthe vehicle passenger engagement surface 58. The inflatable bladder 28possesses the needed rigidity in order to allow the fan 36 to both pushand pull air through the orifices 34 without affecting a pressure of thebladder 28 or moving the bladder 28. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A,the orifices 34 may be used to direct air flow that is being pushed inor pulled out of the orifices 34 in any direction in order to distributeand deliver the air flow to the vehicle passenger.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, the vehicle seatingassembly 20 may include multiple inflatable bladders 28 which aredisposed on top of one another. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B thebottom surface 72 of a first bladder 100 is disposed in abutting contactwith the top surface 70 of a second bladder 102. Further, the bottomsurface 72 of the second bladder 102 is in abutting contact with the topsurface 70 of a third bladder 104. The inflatable bladders 100, 102, 104are identical in shape and structure with each orifice 34 of the firstbladder 100 being aligned with the orifice 34 in the second bladder 102and the orifice 34 on the third bladder 104. The bladders 100, 102, 104are stacked and aligned such that orifices 34 of each of the bladdersare aligned and together define an air channel 106. The air channel 106is operably coupled to the fan 36 and the fan 36 is configured to moveair through the air channel 106, similar to the way the fan 36 is movingair through the orifice 34 of a single inflatable bladder, as shown inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 6A.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the inflatablebladder 28 also includes at least one fastener aperture 110 disposedcompletely through the inflatable bladder 28. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the fastener apertures 110 are disposed adjacent theperiphery 78 of the top surface 70 and extend through to the bottomsurface 72. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inflatablebladder 28 includes six fastener apertures 110. However, it iscontemplated that the inflatable bladder 28 may include more or lessthan six fastener apertures 110. The fastener apertures 110 areconfigured to receive a fastener 112. The fastener 112 is configured tosecure the inflatable bladder 28 to the vehicle seat assembly 20. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the inflatable bladder 28 is beingsecured to a flexible comfort carrier 114 which includes apertures 116for receiving the fastener 112. During the assembly of the vehicle seatassembly 20, the comfort carrier 114 is disposed over or in the place ofthe foam cushioned portion 59 in the seat back 24 or the seat base 22,and the fastening apertures 110 of the inflatable bladder 28 are alignedwith the receiving apertures 116 in the comfort carrier 114. Thefastener 112 is then pressed through the fastener apertures 110 on theinflatable bladder 28 and into the receiving aperture 116 of the comfortcarrier 114 in order to secure the inflatable bladder 28 to the comfortcarrier 114. It is also contemplated, as shown in the embodiment shownin FIG. 8C, that multiple inflatable bladders 28 may be secured to theflexible comfort carrier 114 using the same fastening method asdescribed above.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, it is contemplatedthat the inflatable bladder 28 may be constructed having the fastener112 disposed inside of the inflatable bladder 28 and extending downwardthrough the fastener aperture 110 in the bottom surface 72. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 8B, the fastener aperture 110 does not extendcompletely through the inflatable bladder. Specifically, the top surface70 of the inflatable bladder 28 is free of fastener apertures 110providing a smooth top surface 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B,the inflatable bladder 28 is fastened to the comfort carrier 114similarly as described above. Specifically, the fastener 112 of theinflatable bladder 28 is aligned with the receiving aperture 116 of thecomfort carrier 114. The fastener 112 is then pressed down into theapertures 116 of the comfort carrier 114 in order to secure theinflatable bladder 28 to the comfort carrier 114.

Referring now to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, in operation, theinflatable bladder 28 is configured to be in the first position 30 wherethe inflatable bladder 28 is deflated and the second position 32 wherethe inflatable bladder 28 is inflated. As shown in FIG. 8A, when theinflatable bladder 28 is in the first position 30, the top surface 70and the bottom surface 72 of the bladder 28 are in abutting contact withone another. The top surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 are alignedsuch that the orifices 34 extend completely through the inflatablebladder 28 with no intrusions. Additionally, the peripheral baffles 76,which define the accordion structure of the inflatable bladder are in acompressed state. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, when theinflatable bladder 28 is in the second position 32, the peripheralbaffles 76 of the perimeter side wall 74 are extended in a generallyaccordion-like style, such that the top surface 70 and the bottomsurface 72 are no longer in abutting contact. In the second position 32,air is disposed between the top surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 andthe inflatable bladder 28 is configured to provide comfort and supportto the vehicle passenger. In the second position 32, the orifices 34 arestill lined up in the top surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 and formslightly longer orifices 34 due to the expansion of the perimeter sidewall 74.

Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, inoperation, the inflatable bladder 28 begins in the first position 30corresponding with the inflatable bladder 28 being deflated. Theinflatable bladder 28 is then moved to the second position 32corresponding with the inflatable bladder 28 being inflated usually by apump or other inflation method. The orifices 34 are operably coupled tothe fan 36 which is configured to push or pull air through the at leastone orifice 34 and through the cover stock 26 in order to provide airflow to the vehicle passenger when the bladder 28 is in the firstposition 30 or the second position 32. It is contemplated that the coverstock 26 which is disposed over the seat base 22 and the seat back 24may be perforated in order to allow air flow to easily be distributed tothe vehicle passenger. However, it is also contemplated that the coverstock 26 may be comprised of a material such that air flow can beprovided to the vehicle passenger without specific perforations. Aheight of the inflatable bladder in the inflated position isapproximately 10 to 30 millimeters, and specifically approximately 20millimeters greater than the height of the inflatable bladder in thedeflated position.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-14, the vehicle seatingassembly 20 may include many of the same features as described above,including the seat base 22, the seat back 24, the cover stock 26, theheadrest 52, the plurality of bolsters 50 disposed on either the seatbase 22 or the seat back 24, and the at least one inflatable bladder 28disposed in at least one of the seat back 24, the seat base 22, or anyof the bolsters 50. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, theinflatable bladder 28 may be disposed and any or all of the seat back24, the seat base 22, or any bolster 50.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 10-12, like the previous embodiment, theinflatable bladder 28 includes the top surface 70, the bottom surface72, and the perimeter side wall 74 which connects the top surface 70 andthe bottom surface 72. However, the top surface 70 of the inflatablebladder 28, as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, includes aplurality of cupped portions 120. The cupped portions 120 are generallystaggered across the top surface 70 of the inflatable bladder 28,however it is also contemplated that the cupped portions 120 may be instraight lines or any other pattern as understood by one having ordinaryskill in the art. The cupped portions 120 also include orifices 34disposed centrally in the cupped portion 120 which extend completelythrough the inflatable bladder 28. Again, the orifices 34 disposed inthe inflatable bladder 28 are sealed orifices 34 such that the topsurface 70, the bottom surface 72, the perimeter side wall 74, and theinner side walls 82 of the inflatable bladder 28 define the air tightcavity 84. As described above with respect to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the top surface 70 and the bottom surface 72 aregenerally rectangular surfaces. However, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 10-12, the perimeter side wall 74 may be slanted such that the topsurface 70 and the bottom surface 72 of the inflatable bladder 28 areunequal in size.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, as described above,the bottom surface 72 of the inflatable bladder 28 is a generally flatsurface which includes the plurality of orifices 34 which extendcompletely through the inflatable bladder 28. The plurality of orifices34 are operably coupled to the fan 36. As described above, the fan 36 isconfigured to move air through the plurality of orifices 34 withoutaffecting the pressure inside of the inflatable bladder 28. It is alsocontemplated that the fan 36 may draw or blow air through the orifices34.

Referring now to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the orifices34 of the inflatable bladder 28 are configured to move air in anydirection through the plurality of orifices 34. As shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 14, the cupped portion 120 allows the air movedinto the orifice 34 by the fan 36 to be disbursed at multiple angles inorder to provide various directions of air flow to the vehiclepassenger.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the vehicle seatingassembly 20 may include many of the same features as described abovewith respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, including thefastener apertures 110, fasteners 112, and the comfort carrier 114. Asdescribed above, the inflatable bladders 28 may be stacked on top ofeach other having the orifices 34 of one bladder being aligned with theorifices 34 of another bladder and defining the air channel 106.

With reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, theembodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B operates similar to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Specifically, the inflatable bladder 28 beginsin the first position 30 corresponding with the inflatable bladder 28being deflated. In this position, the top surface 70 of the inflatablebladder 28 and the bottom surface 72 of the inflatable bladder 28 are inabutting contact. In the second position 32, corresponding with theinflatable bladder 28 being inflated, air is disposed between the topsurface 70 and the bottom surface 72 such that the top surface 70 andthe bottom surface 72 are not in abutting contact. As described above,the height of the inflatable bladder 28 in the second position 32 isapproximately 10 to 30 millimeters, and specifically approximately 20millimeters, greater than the height of the inflatable bladder 28 in thefirst position 30. In operation, the fan 36 is operably coupled to theorifices 34 of the inflatable bladder 28 and is configured to push orpull air through the orifices 34 in order to provide air flow to thevehicle passenger.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide improved airflow technology in order to increase comfort to the vehicle passenger.Prior art inflatable bladder systems include solid bladders that do notallow air flow. This forces the bladders to be mounted on the B-surface60, or bottom surface of the seating foam. Placing the inflatablebladders underneath the seating foam forces the bladders to have tocompress the foam in order to support the occupant. The presentinvention allows the inflatable bladder 28 to be disposed on theA-surface 56, or top surface of the seating foam. This allows a lowerexpansion height by the inflatable bladder 28 in order to providesimilar support to the occupant. The inflatable bladder 28 of thepresent invention includes punch holes or orifices 34 which are disposedcompletely through the inflatable bladder 28 and operably coupled to thefan 36. The orifices 34 can be used to direct the air flow that is beingpushed or pulled out from a cooling or heating system in order todistribute and deliver the air flow to the vehicle passenger.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who receive this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces maybe reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structuresand/or members or connector or other elements of the system may bevaried, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided betweenthe elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide varietyof materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of awide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, andarrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatbase; a seat back; a cover stock disposed over the seat back and theseat base; an inflatable bladder disposed in at least one of the seatbase and the seat back and configured to be in a first position, whereinthe bladder is deflated, and a second position, wherein the bladder isinflated, wherein the bladder includes at least one orifice extendingcompletely through the inflatable bladder; and a fan operably coupled tothe at least one orifice and configured to move air through the at leastone orifice and the cover stock, thereby providing air flow to a vehiclepassenger.
 2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein theinflatable bladder includes a polymeric fastener that secures theinflatable bladder to a comfort carrier.
 3. The vehicle seating assemblyof claim 1, wherein the seat base includes a seating foam having a topside and a bottom side, and wherein the inflatable bladder is disposedon the top side of the seating foam.
 4. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the seat back includes a seating foam having a forwardside and a rearward side, and wherein the inflatable bladder is disposedon the forward side of the seating foam.
 5. The vehicle seating assemblyof claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder includes a plurality ofcupped portions, and wherein the at least one orifice extends throughthe cupped portions.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 5, whereinthe cupped portions are disposed in a staggered configuration across theinflatable bladder.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, whereinthe inflatable bladder includes a plurality of peripheral bafflesdefining an expandable accordion structure.
 8. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 1, wherein a height of the inflatable bladder in thesecond position is approximately 10-30 mm greater than the height of theinflatable bladder in the first position.
 9. A vehicle seating assemblycomprising: a seat base; a seat back; an inflatable bladder disposed inat least one of the seat base and the seat back and operable between aninflated position or to fold in accordion-like style to a deflatedposition, wherein the inflatable bladder includes inner walls defining aplurality of orifices; and a fan configured to move air through theplurality of orifices.
 10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9,wherein the inflatable bladder includes at least three bladders stackedand aligned such that orifices of each of the bladders are aligned todefine an air channel.
 11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9,wherein the inflatable bladder has a tapered side wall such that aperiphery of a top of the inflatable bladder and a bottom of theinflatable bladder are unequal.
 12. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the inflatable bladder includes a cupped portionproximate each of the plurality of orifices.
 13. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 9, wherein a height of the inflatable bladder in theinflated position is approximately 10-30 mm greater than the height ofthe inflatable bladder in the deflated position.
 14. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 9, wherein the inflatable bladder includes fastenerapertures configured to receive a fastener that secures the inflatablebladder to a flexible comfort carrier.
 15. The vehicle seating assemblyof claim 9, wherein the inflatable bladder includes a fastener having astrong plastic polymer material.
 16. A vehicle seating assemblycomprising: an inflatable bladder assembly having a plurality ofperipheral baffles and defining an airtight cavity disposed in at leastone of a seat base and a seat back and operable between a deflatedposition and an inflated position, wherein the inflatable bladderassembly includes inner walls defining a plurality of orifices; and afan configured to move air through the plurality of orifices withoutinfluencing a pressure in the cavity.
 17. The vehicle seating assemblyof claim 16, wherein the inflatable bladder assembly is disposed in sidebolsters of at least one of the seat base and the seat back.
 18. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the inflatable bladderassembly includes a plurality of cupped portions, and wherein theplurality of orifices extend through the cupped portions.
 19. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 18, wherein the cupped portions aredisposed in a staggered configuration across the inflatable bladderassembly.
 20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 16, wherein theinflatable bladder assembly includes an accordion-like structureconfigured to retract and expand when the inflatable bladder assemblymoves between the deflated position and the inflated position,respectively.